Winter Weather Safety Tips

Severe Weather and Natural Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and can be unpredictable. Preparation for and reaction to these emergencies will differ according to the type of disaster. Consider these Winter Weather Safety Tips as winter storms are forecasted.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS:

Safety practices in your home

Keep these items around your home in case of an emergency during a Winter Storm:

• Flashlight w/ extra batteries (not candles)
• Essential Prescription medicines
• Non-electric can opener
• Water (one gallon per day per person)
• Baby item (if appropriate)
• Pet food/supplies (if appropriate)
• Extra blankets/ sleeping bags
• Portable Radio
• Charged Cell phone
• Basic First Aid kit
• Non-perishable food
• Fire Extinguisher

Family emergency communication plan

• Develop a Family Emergency Communication Plan in case family members are separated from one another
  during an emergency. (a real possibility during a day when adults are at work and children are at school), and
  have a plan for getting back together again.
• Ask an out-of-state relative to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long
  distances than locally. Also, calling outside the area will be easier than calling into a disaster area.
• Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
  Sometimes an emergency could impact your neighborhood or section of town. Decide on an alternate
  meeting place for family members.
• Be familiar with the Emergency Plans at your children’s school and your place of business.

Safe practices in your car

Keep the following items in your car in case of emergency during Winter Storms:

• High calorie, nonperishable food (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)
• Charged cell phone
• Non-electric can opener
• Tow rope
• Extra clothes (include rain gear, socks, etc)
• Tire Chains or traction mats
• Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Road Flares
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag.
• Portable radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Basic first aid kit
• Container of water
• Necessary medications
• Shovel
• Pocket knife
• Sand for generating traction
• BlanketsA. Ensure that your tires have adequate tread and keep your gas tank at least half full.

   

  B. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Check your windshield fluid.
  
  C. Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest forecasts and road conditions.
  
  D. Travel during the day and if possible, try to take someone along with you.

In times of severe weather, it may be difficult to access your accounts in person. Remember the Citizens Trust Bank online, digital options that are always available to you in the event of power outages or severe conditions at our financial center locations: